System and process for charting and displaying the time and position of contestants in a race

ABSTRACT

There is a system and a process for determining the timing and position of contestants on a track. This system comprises at least one directional antenna in communication with at least one competitor communication device that can be coupled to each contestant. A remote base station, is in communication with the positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a contestant time as the contestant passes the projected field and also determines the position of the contestant in relation to an inside guide such as a rail. There is also a process which includes attaching at least one competitor communication device on at least one contestant, starting a race and then recording the position and time for each contestant and transmitted from the competitor communication device to a remote base station.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/614,848 filed on Dec. 21, 2006 the '848application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No.60/752,762 filed on Dec. 21, 2005; the '848 application is also acontinuation in part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/126,736wherein the '736 application claims priority from U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/577,430 filed on Jun. 3, 2004, and wherein the'736 application is a continuation in part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/860,867 filed on Jun. 3, 2004; wherein the '867application is a continuation in part application and claims priorityfrom International Application Serial No. US2002/38459 filed on Dec. 3,2002, wherein the international application claims priority fromprovisional application Ser. No. 60/336,620 filed on Dec. 3, 2001. The'814 application is also a continuation in part application and claimspriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/860,867 filed on Jun.3, 2004, wherein the '867 application is a continuation in partapplication and claims priority from International Application SerialNo. US2002/38459 filed on Dec. 3, 2002, wherein the internationalapplication claims priority from provisional application Ser. No.60/336,620 filed on Dec. 3, 2001 wherein the disclosures of all of theseapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and a process for determining the timeand position of a contestant in a race. More particularly, the inventionrelates to a system and a process for determining the times for eachcontestant at particular positions or splits in a race and fordetermining the position of each contestant in relation to an insideguide, or rail of the track at each of these particular splits.

Timing and position systems are known in the art. For example thefollowing U.S. patents generally disclose timing and/or positioningsystems for contestants in a race: U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,751 to Kirson etal issued on Jun. 6, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,861 to Maurer issued onDec. 1, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,280 to Kokubo issued on Apr. 7, 1998;U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,550 to Abraham et al issued on Aug. 11, 1992; U.S.Pat. No. 4,774,679 to Carlin issued on Sep. 27, 1988; U.S. Pat. No.4,571,698 to Armstrong issued on Feb. 18, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,076to Hermanns et al. issued on Jun. 16, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,680 toOswald et al issued on Mar. 6, 1979; U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,312 to Oswaldet al. issued on Mar. 23, 1976; U.S. Pat. No. 3,795,907 to Edwardsissued on Mar. 5, 1974; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,529 Abramson et al.Issued on Dec. 25, 1973 wherein the disclosures of all of these patentsare herein incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

One embodiment can be a system and a process for determining the timingand position of contestants on a track. This system can include at leastone directional antenna disposed on a side of a track. There can also beat least one competitor communication device (CCD) that can be coupledto each contestant. There can also be at least one remote base station,wherein the competitor communication device determines a contestant timeas the contestant passes the directional antenna and then communicatesthis time data or other data to the base station or another displaystation. The directional antenna can be used to compress ahigh-frequency electric magnetic field. The frequency can be on theorder of 2.4 GHz which can be compressed by a 15 dBi directionalantenna. An example of a directional antenna can be a HyperlinktechHG24115G. With a well designed antenna, the electric-magnetic forms avirtual loop. By detecting the peak position in time domain, the timinginformation can be obtained.

This feature is particularly useful in determining the performance of acompetitor wherein during a race, this performance will be processed andpresented in real time and published for future race handicapping.

The CCD can comprise a positioning sensor in the form of a coil forreading the magnetic field from these loops. An amplifier which can be alogarithmic amplifier and a tuning capacitor may also be coupled to thiscoil. This sensor is coupled to a microprocessor and to a power input.The power input can be in the form of a battery that may also include aDC-DC boost converter to give the components for example, a 5V powersupply. In addition, coupled to the microprocessor and the power inputis a transceiver wherein there is an antenna coupled to the transceiver.In addition, a video and audio input can also be coupled to the powerinput and to the microprocessor.

The microprocessor can include and/or perform a set of instructions thatcreates a unique identity for the sensor unit. This unique identityallows the remote base station to track each individual contestantindividually and to match the time and position of each individualcontestant on the track for handicapping of a race or for raceanalyzation processes.

The microprocessor can also include a synchronization protocol whichsets periodic transmissions of signals from at least one transceiver tothe at least one remote processing or base station. This synchronizationprotocol can be a time division multiple access (TDMA) protocol wherecollision is avoided by assigning each transceiver its own time slot.

This microprocessor also controls the audio and video transmission fromeach contestant so that the audio and video transmission is sent fromonly one contestant at a time. In this case, a competitor communicationdevice can include a video and audio reader so as to take pictures orrecord video or audio.

There is also a process for determining the position and timing of eachcontestant in a race. This process includes the steps of attaching atleast one CCD on at least one individual contestant. This CCD can, forexample, be connected to a head piece such as a blinder on a horse, asaddle, or any other section which would allow connection. Next, therace starts, whereby during the race, the position and time for eachcontestant is recorded. Next a signal is transmitted from the CCD to aremote base station. Finally, these signals are synchronized so thatthere is no interference.

In another embodiment of the invention, the CCD is a three dimensionalmagnetic field sensor which detects an absolute value of an ambient ACmagnetic field. This absolute value depends on the sensor's position inspace but not on the sensor's rotation.

The sensor can comprise of a plurality of XYZ coils which pick up the X,Y, and Z component of the field. The coil signals are then amplified bya set of amplifiers each connected to the XYZ coils. The amplitude ofthe signals fed from the amplifiers is detected by a plurality ofamplitude detectors in communication with each of the amplifiers. Thereare then a set of analog to digital converters with at least one analogto digital converter in communication with each of the amplitudedetectors. These analog to digital converters then feed into amicroprocessor, which in turn calculates the absolute value of themagnetic field.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is also a loop of wires thatgenerate a signal to be read by a sensor. The loop of wires essentiallyform a trapezoidal shape along a vertical plane above or below aracetrack. The trapezoidal shape of the wires is used to determine theposition of each of the sensors as the sensor crosses the wire.

In another embodiment of the invention the loops can be placed along aninside rail of a racetrack wherein these loops can be in the form ofelongated loops extending along a length of the track.

In another embodiment of the invention, the loops can be extended abovea racetrack wherein two loops can be disposed above competitors andextend substantially parallel to each other.

In another embodiment of the invention, there can be a loop systemwherein in this embodiment, the device includes a loop that can bepositioned underneath a track via a process called directional drilling.In this case, the equipment drills a tiny hole and pulls the cablethrough this hole so that the racetrack is not affected at all. In thisembodiment, the wires can be placed approximately 1.5 meters below thetrack surface. Depending on improvements in technology and theconditions of the track, the depth of placement below the track surfacemay be adjusted. This loop can include essentially two loops with afirst loop coupled to a second loop wherein both loops are driven orpowered by a loop driver. These loops or loop systems can be placedaround a track at any point, but may be particularly placed at fractionpoints around a track such as the start, the ¼ mile marker, the ½ milemarker, the ¾ mile marker, the one mile marker and the finish line ifthe finish line is not on a fraction line. In this case, the startposition may be adjusted because races such as horse races usuallyadjust the starting position of the race based upon the length of therace while usually keeping a standard finish line.

Essentially, the loop can be in the shape of a large “V” with one armperpendicular to the race track and the other arm positioned at anangle. Power can flow through the loop in a counter clockwise mannerwherein this power can flow out from a loop driver and through thesecond loop first and then flow through the first loop and then back tothe loop driver. Using a computer simulation of the magnetic fieldreadings, the signal can be picked up by a sensor positioned in a CCDand placed either on a horse or a jockey. This signal is then relayed toa remote base station for further readings and analysis.

When determining the timing, speed and rail position, the speedinformation can be obtained by calculating the slope steepness of adetected power curve. In this way, the simplest way is to measure thedistance between two threshold points along the curve. This can providea preliminary speed reading.

To determine the rail position and speed refinement, the detected powercurve can be fit on the pre-detected power surface to derive moreaccurate rail position and speed information. The power function isunique for each antenna, this is because while each antenna may bedesigned the same, it is operated under different environments. Whilethese individual features or characteristics may be reported the entirespeed curve can also be reported, to provide a whole array of statisticsfor a user.

There can also be a process for tracking and reporting the position ofcontestants in a race. This process can include a first step of creatingan ambient field in at least one position on a track. Next, there couldbe the process of attaching at least one individual contestantpositioning device on at least one contestant such as a horse. Thispositioning device is equipped to measure the magnitude of the magneticfield on the contestant. Next, a race could be started wherein forexample, in a horse race, gates would open and horses would startrunning The next step could include recording a position and time of atleast one contestant in this race. This position could then be reportedon a display such as a television screen or a website for users tocalculate or determine the racing characteristics of a race horse. Therecording step can include recording a position of at least onecontestant relative to an adjacent contestant. When recording theposition of contestants this can include comparing a position onecontestant to another contestant. The difference in distance betweenthese competitors is then calculated based upon to an average length ofa competitor. In horse racing this is described as “lengths”.

This step of recording a position and time of the contestants can alsoinclude recording a position of a contestant relative to an inside rail.In this case, the position can be measured based upon an average widthof a contestant. This reporting of the position of the contestant caninclude reporting on at least one display in the form of screenincluding a graphical representation of a full field running order foreach of the contestants in a race.

In addition, this step can include reporting a position of a contestanton a display which includes forming on the display a graphicalrepresentation of the top three finishers taken at different positionsthroughout an entire race. This reporting can include a screendisplaying a television based graphical representation which can be usedto provide an instant race recap for each fraction and finish positionfor each contestant.

With these reporting features it provides users with multiple advantagesin that these users can now determine the split times of each contestantsuch as a horse and also the position of each contestant such as a horseat different times during a race. This additional set of information canthen be very valuable for handicapping a race because this type ofparticular information would now be known to handicappers of horse raceswhich then allows the handicappers to better calculate the true handicapof a horse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings which disclose at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawingsare designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as adefinition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings wherein similar reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment the system installed on atrack;

FIG. 2 is a view of a directional antenna configuration which can beused to read the position of a competitor around a track;

FIG. 3A is a vertical polarization diagram of the projection patterns ofthe reception signal in a competitor communication device from theantenna shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a horizontal polarization diagram of the projection patternsof the reception signal in a competitor communication device receiving asignal from an antenna shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3C shows a series of power distribution curves that are read by acommunication device based upon a graph which includes a reading ofpower vs. distance of a receiver from a rail;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of thecompetitor communication device (CCD);

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a infrared receiving device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a remote infrared terminalassociated with the receiving of the device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a schematic block diagram of a of another embodiment of acompetitor communication device;

FIG. 7B is a schematic block diagram of an indoor and an outdoortransmitting unit;

FIG. 8A is a top view of another embodiment of the invention showing atop view of loops positioned around the track;

FIG. 8B is a top view of another embodiment of the invention showinganother form of loops positioned around a track;

FIG. 9A is top view of another embodiment of the invention showinganother form of loops positioned around the track;

FIG. 9B is another embodiment of the invention showing another set ofloops;

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of loops positioned around a track;

FIG. 11A is another embodiment of the invention showing another set ofloops positioned under a track;

FIG. 11B is another set of graphs showing a reading of a CCD in theembodiment shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computer system for the presentation ofinformation;

FIG. 13 is a graphical representation which can be used to provide aninstant race recap for each fraction and finish;

FIG. 14 denotes a television graphical representation of the top three(3) finishers (win, place, show) throughout a race;

FIG. 15 shows a full field running order television screen whichincludes the actual live video screen of the race competitors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the system 5 whichincludes the (CCD) 10 which is coupled to a contestant such as a horse.

In this embodiment, there is disclosed a series of directional antennas20, which are disposed in different locations such as locations 11,12,13, 14,15, 16, 17, and 18 which are around a track 5. These antennas areused such that they are for reading a competitor communication device10, which is disposed on a competitor such as a horse. In addition,there can be an infrared transmitter 185, (See FIG. 2) which is disposedadjacent to the antenna 20. In addition there is an infrared receiver180 disposed opposite infrared transmitter 185 as well. Transmitter unit185 includes a plurality of different elements. For example there is aninfrared transmitter element 196 which is coupled to a charge controller192. In addition, coupled to charge controller 192 is a solar receiver190 which transmits power to charge controller 192.

An example of a directional antenna 20 is shown in FIG. 2, wherein thisdirectional antenna can be in the form of a Hyperlinktech7 2.4 Ghz 15dbi diecast aluminum reflector antenna. This type of that device can beused for long-range directional applications, point-to-point systems orpoint to multipoint systems. The antenna can be applied to a column, orpost 21 which can be positioned either inside or outside of a track andthen rotated to a particular point on the track. Antenna 20 is coupledto an adjustment hinge 25 which can be coupled to post 21. Thisadjustment hinge 25, can be used to allow the directional antenna torotate in any desired manner. This adjustment hinge or connection 25 canalso be used to adjust the height adjustment of this directional antennaby sliding this hinge up or down a pole 21. Connected to directionalantenna 20 is a solar power station 10′ which is shown in greater detailin FIG. 6. In addition, as described above, there is also an infraredtransmitter 185 which can be coupled to post 21 as well. This infraredtransmitter 185 (See also FIG. 6) along with antenna 20 are disposedinside of an inside rail 23 wherein antenna 20 transmits its fieldacross the track 5 while infrared transmitter 185 transmits a signalacross the track to an opposite receiver 180. While the reading of theradio frequencies by the CCD=s 10 is all that is necessary to determinethe positioning of each competitor, the infrared system can also be usedas a redundant or additional system to determine the spit times of alead competitor.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B there is shown polarization graph in boththe vertical (FIG. 3A) and horizontal planes (FIG. 3B). With this typeof antenna 20, the electromagnetic field forms a virtual loop or acolumn. When a detector such as a CCD passes a field, there is a peak atthe middle of loop. By detecting a peak position in a time domain, it ispossible to obtain the timing information as well as the position of acompetitor on the racetrack. Each antenna 20 is assigned an identitywherein each antenna 20 has a particular position around the racetrack.Therefore, an antenna 20, which is positioned in position 11, isdesignated as being positioned in a first position around the track.Another antenna can be positioned at a different position 12, whileother antennas can be coded differently to send a particular andindividual signal from each of the positions 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18 areall recorded by competitor communication devices as being positioned indifferent positions.

Therefore, each antenna 20 is set to such that a peak reading of theantenna corresponds to a particular position on a track. Therefore, ifantenna 14 is positioned in a region that represents a quarter-milesection of the track, the antenna is directed such that, once acompetitor crosses a particular peak at the middle of the loop, (SeeFIG. 3) this reading would represent a quarter-mile position. Forexample, peak readings are shown in both FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3B showsa peak reading in the horizontal plane wherein the point on the readingcorresponding to 0 degrees is the peak point in terms of amplitudereading in the CCD 10 which indicates that the CCD has crossed a regionof highest transmission power of an antenna which corresponds to aparticular point on track 5.

As the competitors such as horses are racing around a track, thecompetitor communication device 10 can receive this reading. Thisreading is then transmitted to an initial transmitting station 17 to anintermediate a base station 205. Alternatively, the signal from eachcompetitor communication device can be transmitted directly to receivingand display station 800.

Rail position is derived from another characteristic ofelectric-magnetic field. Since the energy is projected along with a loopdirection, if we define the power at a unit distance as P in the form ofPo, at a point (d,θ) where d is the distance from the center, and θ isthe angle (refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B) wherein the detected power can bein the form of:

${P( {d,\theta} )} = {P_{o}\frac{K}{d^{f{({d,\theta})}}}}$

Where K is a constant, f(d,θ) is an even function for θ (which meansthat f(d,θ)=f(d,−θ)) and decreases and d and |θ| increase. Usually aconstant K and function f is unique for each antenna. FIG. 3C disclosesthe shape of the detected power curve at different distances from theantenna. The basic rail position can be derived from the peak power ofthe loop, which can be written as:

${P_{o}d} = {{P( {d,0} )} = {{P_{o}\frac{K}{d^{f{({d,\theta})}}}} = {P_{o}\frac{K}{f_{o}(d)}}}}$

Thus, FIG. 3C shows power P as a function of d the distance of acompetitor from a directional antenna. This type of reading may beobtained by a competitor communication device 10. In particular, thedirectional receiving antennas can be used to receive information of asignal sent by directional antenna 20. The speed of a competitor can bedetermined from the slope of the steepness of the power curve. Twopoints along a curve can be used to provide a preliminary speed reading.

To determine the rail position, or distance of a competitor from a rail,a power curve can be fitted on a pre detected power surface. Since thepower function is unique for each antenna (even the same design indifferent environments) the power information can be collected at eachpoint in the field, wherein this information can be stored in the remotecomputer system. Each competitor communication device can be used tostore and transmit each power curve. The remote computer base stationcan either use a direct slope calculation or a recursive approximationto find more accurate rail position and speed information.

For example, from the reading disclosed in FIG. 3C there is shown afirst curve reading 301 wherein this reading is of a sharper slope andhigher amplitude. This shows that the horse is moving faster relative tothe directional antenna 20 and closer to the rail. The second curve 302has a lower amplitude and a flatter slope. This indicates that the horseis moving slower and is farther from the rail relative to thedirectional antenna. The third curve 303 has an even lower amplitude orpower reading and lower slope. This means that the competitorcommunication device receiving this reading would be moving slower andfarther from the rail relative to the readings of the first and secondcurves.

Some of the benefits of this system relative to a wired system is thatthe cost of installation can be lower relative to a wired system. Theseantennas can be coupled to poles on the antenna. With this design, thereis no need to use directional drilling services to install wire loops ina track. In addition, the cost of the system is also lower. In thiscase, the expense of the wire and conduit under the track is alsoavoided. Furthermore, the calibration is simpler. In this case, thesystem can be installed in a few hours wherein the user can enter inpositioning and timing services for an event. After the event is over,it can be broken down and taken to a new location easily. Furthermore,this system can be found to be more accurate, especially with regard toreading the distances a horse is located from a rail.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the CCD 10. This devicecomprises a position sensor 100 which includes a coil 102, a tuningcapacitor 104 and an amplifier 106. Position sensor 100 interacts withmagnetic fields created by loops 22 and 24 on the track to determine theposition and time of the individual contestant at a particular period oftime during the race. Coil 102 is positioned along the X-axis, so thatit can read the nulls that occur in the X-component of the magneticfield generated by the loops.

Microprocessor 110 is coupled to amplifier 106, whereby microprocessor110 contains instructions to control the transfer of signals, theindividual timing of the contestant, and to carry a unique identifier toidentify each individual contestant.

Coupled to microprocessor 110 is transceiver 130, which can send andreceive signals from microprocessor 110 through antenna 140 to and froma base station, such as base station 210 or communicate directly with aremote station 800. There is also a power input 120 which is coupled toamplifier 106, microprocessor 110, transceiver 130, and video and audioinput 160. Power input 120 comprises a battery 122, a DC-DC boostconverter 124 and a charger connection 126. Battery 122 sends powerthrough DC-DC boost converter 124 such that converter 124 delivers 5V ofpower supply into the components in the system. Charger connection 126works in unison with LED 150 and battery 122 so that when battery 122runs down, LED 150 changes from green to red to indicate that thebattery is running out of power. Conversely, once the battery has beenfully recharged, LED 150 changes color back from red to green toindicate a full charge.

Video and Audio input 160 is essentially a motion video camera with amicrophone that can be placed on a contestant such as a horse. With ahorse, while the CCD 10 can be placed in any position on the horse, thecamera would most likely be placed on the back of a saddle to capturemoving images behind the horse. Microprocessor 110 would then controlthe sending of this information to a remote base station depending oninstructions sent from that remote base station.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the infrared tracking system 10′ (See alsoFIG. 1). This tracking system 10′, includes solar power in the form of asolar powered panel 170 fixed into the system. Panel 170 is coupled tocharge controller 175 and produces power to charge controller 175.Charge controller 175 is coupled to battery 122′. Both charge controller175 and battery 122′ are coupled to step down converter 178. Step downconverter 178 converts the energy input from both charge controller 175and battery 122′ into usable energy for the remaining components. Thesecomponents include microprocessor 110′ which functions similar tomicroprocessor 110, and transceiver 130 which is essentially identicalto transceiver 130 in FIG. 3. In addition, antenna 140 is coupled totransceiver 130 as well. This device can also include an LED indicator150′ which is similar to LED indicator 150 and indicates whether thedevice is charged and/or running.

With this embodiment, there is an infrared or IR receiver 180 coupled tomicroprocessor 110′. IR receiver 180 is used as a position sensor todetermine the time and position of the individual contestant as thatcontestant is racing in a race. Essentially, IR receiver 180 receives aninfrared beam from IR transmission device 185. IR receiver 180 and IRtransmission device 185 are positioned at a start pole on opposite sidesof the track, so that at the start of the race, these devices can trackthe exact start of the race by having the competitors cross the IR beambeing sent between transmission device 185 and receiving device 180.Thus when the race starts, this beam is broken and then a signal is sentto a base station to start the race clock.

As shown in FIG. 6, IR transmission device 185 includes solar panel 190,a charge controller 192 for controlling the charge from solar panel 190,a battery 194 and an IR transmitter 196 for transmitting positionsignals to and from each contestant.

Because there is both an IR based system and a magnetic based system ateach terminal, this provides a redundant system for tracking the racecontestants. The IR based system does not contain information relatingto the identity of each contestant. However, the IR based system doesrelay the time that the first competitor crosses each mark. Thus, at avery minimum, this IR based system can be used to verify the start andending times of a race.

FIG. 7A is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of a sensoror CCD 300 which contains an x coil 310, a y coil 320 and a z coil 330.An amplifier 312, is in communication with x coil 310 while an amplifier322 is in communication with y coil 320 while a third amplifier 332 isin communication with z coil 330. There is also a set of amplitudedetectors 314, 324 and 334 with amplitude detector 314 in communicationwith amplifier 312, amplitude detector 324 in communication withamplifier 322, and amplitude detector 334 in communication withamplifier 332. A set of analog to digital converters (ADC) 316, 326, and336 are also coupled to the amplitude detectors 314, 324, and 334respectively. With this connection, ADC 316 is in communication withamplitude detector 314, ADC 326 is in communication with amplitudedetector 316, and ADC 336 is in communication with amplitude detector326. Finally, a microprocessor 340 is in communication with ADCs 316,326 and 336 at a downstream end. Microprocessor 340 then can communicatewith a transceiver 130 at a downstream end so that this information canbe communicated onward to the appropriate base stations.

The sensor operates as follows, x, y, and z components of a signal arepicked up by x, y, and z coils 310, 320 and 330 respectively. Thecomponents of this signal are fed from these coils into their respectiveamplifiers 312, 322, and 332. The coil signals are amplified by theamplifiers and then the amplitude of each of these signals is obtainedby the amplitude detectors 314, 324, and 334 respectively. Theseamplitudes are then digitized by the ADCs 316, 326, and 336 respectivelywherein this information is fed into microprocessor 340.

The microprocessor then calculates the absolute value of the magneticfield using a program that follows the following formula:

B=√{square root over (bx² +by ² +bz ²)}

Where:

B is the total magnitude of the field

Bx, By and Bz are the magnitudes read by the x, y and z coilsrespectively. Because of these three coils extending in the threedimensions are used, these coils can be used to determine the positionof each party in all three dimensions.

FIG. 7B is a schematic block diagram of a base station 205 which is alsoshown in FIG. 1. Base station 205 includes an outdoor unit 210 and anindoor unit 220. Outdoor unit 210 includes an RS422 interface which iscoupled to a transceiver 214. Transceiver 214 is also coupled to anantenna 216 which is designed to receive signals from antenna 140 ondevice 10. Essentially information in the form of signals flows intoantenna 216 from one or more devices 10 during a race. This informationis sent through transceiver 214 and then through RS422 interface 212 andthen onto indoor unit 220. Indoor unit 220 also includes a RS422interface 222 and a microprocessor 230. Essentially, these RS 422interfaces allow communication between the outdoor and indoor devicesvia appropriate cabling. Microprocessor 230 reads and identifies thesesignals and also sends signals back through outdoor unit 210 to controlthe protocol and sending of transmissions from devices 10. Informationfrom microprocessor 230 is then sent on to RS 232 interface 240 whichthen transfers this information on to a personal computer fortransmission to an internet site or to post results internally forhandicapping.

The system operates as follows: each contestant receives a competitorcommunication device 10 which can be attached to each contestant by anyknown means such as a belt, a strap, etc. This device is turned on andit may run one or more test signals to base station 205 so that eachdevice 10 is pretested to communicate with base station 205 or centralstation. Each contestant lines up at a starting line which contains afield provided by a directional antenna or loops, and the infraredsystem which projects an infrared beam. Each competitor communicationdevice reports its time stamp and identity information to the basestation 205 or a central station 800 prior to the start of the race. Atleast one report is presented to the central station for all CCD's at asubstantially simultaneous time. At this point, all of the times in theCCD's are synchronized or compared in the software. A race indicatorgoes off whereby the contestants are notified of the start of the race.This start may occur via a gun, bell, or a horn sounding. After thestart, each competitor moves out of the starting position and crossesthe startline which is positioned with the first ambient field. As eachcompetitor crosses the peak amplitude reading of this ambient field, theassociated CCD reports its individual time stamp and identity to centralstation 800. This crossing of a peak in the ambient field, starts therace clock. Alternatively, if the system is relying on an infraredsystem, the start of the race occurs when the first contestant crossesan infrared beam. In this case, there can be many clocks running atonce. First, there is a universal race clock which determines theuniversal race time. There are also individual clocks that determine thesplit times for each competitor's split. These separate times are usefulbecause it allows the analyzation of the true starting times for eachcontestant. Thus, if a contestant is quick off of the start there willbe little or no time lag between the universal race time and thatindividual competitor's race time. However, if the contestant is slowoff the start, then there will be a large or even larger time lag forthat competitor.

Each split is recognized in each CCD as a peak reading of amplitude fromthe ambient field. As each contestant or competitor crosses each of thesplits, the identity of each CCD, the individual times for eachcontestant, and the amplitude level of each reading is sent to basestation 205 or to central station 800. Central station 800 can thencontain a program that determines the actual split times of eachcontestant based upon the difference between the current individual timereading and a previous split time reading. In addition, this program candetermine the position of each competitor based upon its distance fromthe rail, based upon the level of the amplitude of each reading for eachcompetitor.

All of the competitors race around the track until they reach the finishline whereby as they reach the finish line, their times are clocked intobase station 205 or a central station 800. The overall winning race timestops when the first competitor crosses the finish line field.

During this race, the position of each individual contestant is alsorecorded. The position of each contestant at each split is also sent tobase station 205 or central station 800 and recorded. In addition,during this entire race, base station 205 or central station 800 iscontrolling processor 110 in competitor communication device 10 todetermine whether to send audio and video signals. In addition, basestation 205 or central station 800 is sending controlling signals forthe transmission of this information via a synchronized relay systemexplained above so that there is no interference of signals from any ofthe CCDs.

FIG. 8A is a top view of a second embodiment of a track system 350Awhich shows loops 360A disposed at different locations about the track.Loops 360A are spaced above the track and extend from the rail to theoutside of the track as shown in FIG. 11A. Loop 360A essentiallycontains a first wire 362A and a second wire 364A wherein first wire362A and second wire 364A are elevated above a track via elevation poles366A.

FIG. 8B is a top view of a third embodiment of a track 350B which showsvertical loops 360B disposed at different locations about the track.Loops 360B are substantially rectangular shaped loops as shown in FIG.9B. Loop 360B contains a first wire 362B and a second wire 364B whichare elevated above a track via elevation poles 366B.

FIG. 10 shows a view of another embodiment of this device whereindipoles 500 and 510 are shown along an inside rail of an associatedtrack. Dipoles 500 and 510 can extend up to 60 m long each for a totalof both dipoles being up to 120 m in length along the track. Each dipoleor dipole set is powered to create an ambient magnetic field. Theambient magnetic field will create an associated magnetic reading in aCCD which is shown by way of example in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 11B.

FIG. 11A shows another embodiment of the invention which includes adifferent loop system 400 wherein in this embodiment, the deviceincludes a loop that is positioned underneath a track via a processcalled directional drilling wherein the equipment drills a tiny hole andpulls the cable through this hole so that the racetrack is not affectedat all. In this embodiment, the wires can be placed approximately 1.5meters below the track surface. FIG. 11A shows the shape of this loop410, which includes a first loop 410 a coupled to a second loop 410 bwherein both loops are driven or powered by a loop driver 420. Theseloops or loop systems 400 can be placed around a track as shown byexample in FIG. 1 at any point, but may be particularly placed atfraction points around a track such as the start, the ¼ mile marker, the½ mile marker, the ¾ mile marker, the one mile marker and the finishline if the finish line is not on a fraction line.

Essentially, the loop is the shape of a large “V” with one arm 410 aextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the race track andthe other arm 410 b positioned at an angle relative to this first arm.Power can flow through the loop in a counter clockwise manner whereinthis power can flow out from loop drive 420 and through loop 410 b firstand then flow through loop 410 a and then back to loop driver 420.

Thus, each sensor records two values, the time of the second peak (T2),and the delay between the peaks (dT=T2−T1). This information is thenreported to the base station. Time T2 is used directly for timingpurposes. In this case, the base stations can calculate the averagesensor speed based upon measurements of T2 at the previous and at thecurrent point of call which is determined when the sensor crosses acenter point of each loop 410a for each loop positioned around thetrack. As shown in FIG. 11B, dt1 is for the contestant that is fourmeters from the center of the track surface towards the inside rail, dt2is the time for the contestant at the center portion of the track, anddt3 is the time for the contestant four meters from the center of thetrack towards the outside rail.

Knowing dT and the speed of each contestant, the x distance or travelingdistance between the peaks can be calculated. Then, taking into accountthe geometry of the loops, the distance of the rail is calculated. Inthis case, if the x distance is larger, then the distance from the railis calculated to be larger as well. If the x distance is smaller thenthe distance from the rail is also calculated to be smaller as well.

FIG. 12 shows a layout of a pc/server 800 which can be used to createinteresting displays of the progress of a race on a racetrack. PC/server800 can be in the form of any known pc or server and can include amemory device 810 a processor 820, a storage device 830 such as a harddrive and a program 840 which can be in the form of a set ofinstructions operating on pc/server 800. PC/server 800 receivesinformation from indoor unit 220 relating to the position of eachcompetitor in a race based upon the position of a competitorcommunication device 10. Program 840 can be used to compile theinformation received by PC/Server 800 so that it can create graphicalimages on a display 850.

FIG. 13 shows a screen such as a television based graphicalrepresentation or display 900 which can be used to provide an instantrace recap for each fraction and finish. In this case, a personalcomputer (PC) or central server 800 can be in communication with eachcompetitor communication device 10 either directly or via indoor unit220 and outdoor unit 210 to receive the signals from each competitorcommunication device. PC/server 800 as shown in FIG. 12 can then be usedto create an instant race recap via a video screen. This entire screenis a snapshot representation of all the competitors/CCD positions as aleader crosses a fraction line. (See FIG. 15)

In this case, there is shown a graphical representation of thecompetitors in a race wherein this representation lists the leader time910, the name of the fraction represented (¼, ½, ¾, FIN (finish) 920, alisting of the number of the race 930, and a marker 940 indicating theposition of a fraction position on a track. Each competitor isrepresented by its race number 950 and also by a graphical bar 960 whichextends across the screen and crosses different length lines 970 whichis the finish line, and 980 which is the distance behind the lead horseseparated by one horse length. These length lines 980 can be used todisplay a distance that a competitor is spaced behind anothercompetitor. For example, in horse racing, the distance of other horsesbehind another horse can be calculated in lengths. In this case, theselength lines would be helpful for handicappers in determining thedistance that particular competitors are from a leader.

FIG. 14 denotes a television graphical representation of the top three(3) finishers (win, place, show) in horse racing throughout an entirerace. This screen representation 1000 includes a time clock 1010, anindication of a race number 1030, and a position marker 1040 which marksthe position of the leader in a race. In this single race, the positionsof the first three competitors 1052, 1050, 1054 are shown for each ofthe race fraction periods. For example, the position of thesecompetitors are shown at the ¼ mile fraction marker 1042, the ½ milefraction marker 1044, at the ¾ mile fraction marker 1046, and also atthe mile fraction marker 1048. In this case, the position of the threeleading competitors are shown to provide an indication of a competitorin a win/place/show position for each position on the track.

FIG. 15 shows a full field running order television screen whichincludes the actual live video screen of the race competitors and also alisting at the bottom of the screen of the order of all of thesecompetitors in the race which may be more than represented in FIG. 15.This running order is shown by displaying from left to right a graphicof the competitors position in the race. For example, three is a seriesof competitors 1132, 1134, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, and 1140 shown inreal time on a video screen. A listing of these competitors is thenshown in a graphic bar 1142 which displays the order of thesecompetitors extending from left to right. For example, competitor number1, designated by number 1132 on the screen is positioned in lowergraphic bar 1142 and shown by graphic 1156 and positioned in a far leftposition indicating that competitor number 1 is in a lead. Competitornumber 7 is shown by graphic 1155 and is shown adjacent to graphic 1156.The remaining graphics 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153 and 1154 are used to showthe order of these remaining competitors.

This screen also shows an indicator 1160 of the number of the horse inthe lead at the previous fraction mark, the indicator for the previousfraction mark 1170, and the time period of the leader at the previousfraction mark 1180. Furthermore, there is also a set of indicators orgraphical representation elements 1190 which indicate the placement ofthe horses via dots to indicate the distance of each horse in an averagehorse width from the inside rail. Each dot indicates that the horse isan average horse width from the rail. In this case, these indicators onall of the screens indicate both the length position and the widthposition of these competitors during the race.

With this view, there can also be a set of indicators indicating thelength that each horse is spaced from the lead horse. For example, asshown in this view, graphic blocks 1150-1156 include the positioningdistances of the horses based upon the distance each horse is from thelead. In this case, the lead horse number 1 is shown by graphic 1156.The horse in second place, horse number 7 is shown as spaced two horsewidths from the rail via indicator 1190, and also trailing the leadinghorse by ¼ of a length as shown by graphic, or graphic representationelement 1192. For each trailing horse, these indicators or graphics1192, would then be used to indicate the position of that horse withrespect to the lead horse. The distances by length would be calculatedbased upon the split times, and the speed of the horses to determine thelength of the distance of each horse from the leader. With thesegraphics 1192, the user can then have a full visual indication of theposition of each horse in a race.

Essentially, the competitor communication device 10 works with program840 and PC/server 800 to create a system where there is an easier way topresent instant information to viewers who wish to track and handicapraces. The process can essentially follow the following steps: a timeron a competitor communication device is started with an absolute timerclock, the time on that device 10 is marked at the start of the race andthen forwarded wirelessly to outdoor unit 210 or directly to a receivingcentral station 800. If this information is passed first to outdoor unit210, then this information is then forwarded onto indoor unit 220.Indoor unit can then forward this information onto PC/server 800. Thisinformation is then forwarded onto display 800 to display thisinformation on the different screens.

This system them provides a handicapper of races with an easy access toinformation relating to that race. In this case, the handicapper canthen easily use this information to monitor or bet on future races.

Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention havebeen shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes andmodifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A display for providing information relating to a contestant in arace comprising: a plurality of graphical representation elementswherein each graphical representation element represents a contestant ina race wherein each contestant is represented by a correspondinggraphical representation element, a race clock representing a race timeof arrival by a lead contestant at each distance point of call andfinish during a race; wherein each graphical representation element isarranged in an order the display to indicate an order of contestants inthe race; wherein each graphical representation element includes anumber corresponding to the number of a contestant.
 2. The display as inclaim 1, further comprising at least one graphical distance indicatorindicating a distance that each contestant is positioned in relation tosaid lead contestant wherein said graphical distance indicator ispositioned adjacent to the number corresponding to the number of saidcontestant and wherein said graphical distance indicator indicates adistance that each contestant is spaced based upon an average length ofa contestant and a distance that each contestant is spaced from aninside rail on a track.
 3. The display as in claim 1, wherein thedisplay further comprises a video display of all the contestants.
 4. Thedisplay as in claim 1, further comprising a second set of a plurality ofgraphical representation elements wherein each element in said secondset of elements represents a distance that each associated contestant isspaced from in relation to a leading contestant in the race.
 5. Thedisplay as in claim 3, wherein each graphical representation elementrepresents distance as a fraction of a length of a contestant.
 6. Asystem for determining a particular position of an individual contestantin a race and a position on a track of that contestant wherein thesystem comprises: at least one stationary transmitting directionalantenna positioned at a position on one side of the track and forcreating and broadcasting an encoded radio signal across the track; atleast one competitor communication device which can be coupled to eachcontestant and which can be used to read the encoded radio signal; atleast one remote receiving station for receiving at least onetransmission from said competitor communication device; wherein said atleast one competitor communication device has at least one processor,and at least one antenna, which is configured to measure a position of acompetitor relative to an inside rail of a track, and is configured todetermine a position, speed and time of a contestant as that contestantis passing said at least one stationary transmitting directionalantenna, by measuring an amplitude, and recording a time of crossing apeak position of the signal, and transmitting a set of capturedinformation comprising said position, speed and time of a contestant, tosaid remote receiving station; and at least one solar power stationcoupled to said at least one stationary transmitting directionalantenna.
 7. The system as in claim 6, wherein said at least onecompetitor communication device comprises at least one microprocessorwhich contains a set of instructions which creates a unique identity forsaid competitor communication device identifying the contestant usingthe competitor communication device as a node in a wireless network, andwherein said at least one remote receiving station is configured todetermine a position, speed and timeof a competitor based upon a slopeand amplitude of a signal received from said at least one stationarytransmitting directional antenna.
 8. The system as in claim 7, furthercomprising at least one transceiver wherein said microprocessor containsa time division multiple access (TDMA) protocol to set a periodic timefor transmission to and from said transceiver to said remote receivingstation to avoid collision or interference of a signal.
 9. The system asin claim 6, further comprising an infrared beam sensor system positionedadjacent to at least one of said at least one stationary transmittingdirectional antenna wherein said infrared sensor system's beam is brokenwhen a contestant crosses a path of said infrared beam sensor system todetermine the time of a leading contestant.
 10. The system as in claim7, wherein the system is configured to determine a position of acontestant relative to a position of a stationary emitting antennadisposed adjacent to an inside rail on a racetrack by comparing areceived signal curve to a pre-calibrated signal curve.
 11. The systemas in claim 6, further comprising at least one display in communicationwith said stationary transmitting directional antenna, wherein saiddisplay displays the time, speed and position of one contestant of saidplurality of contestants in relation to said plurality of contestantsand said display includes a graphical representation of a set of topthree finishers taken from said plurality of contestants at a pluralityof different distance points of call throughout an entire race whereinsaid display indicates a distance each contestant is spaced from aninside rail of the track during the race.
 12. The system as in claim 11,wherein said at least one display is in the form of screen including agraphical representation of a full field running order for each and allthe contestants in a race and each contestant's position in relation toat least one other contestant in the race and wherein the distance eachcompetitor is spaced from an inside rail of the track is displayed interms of an average width of each contestant.
 13. The system as in claim11, wherein said display includes a screen displaying a television basedgraphical representation which can be used to provide an instant racerecap for each fraction and finish position depicting all contestants inthe race.
 14. The system as in claim 6, further comprising at least oneantenna adjuster coupled to said at least one stationary transmittingdirectional antenna, said at least one antenna adjuster being configuredto adjust a pointing position of said at least one stationarytransmitting directional antenna.